Julia Lai-Kwon Q&A

Julia Lai-Kwon
Medical Oncologist and Health Services Researcher

What are you researching in lay terms?

I’m researching how we can best integrate patient-reported outcomes (PROs) into routine cancer care.  PROs are basically reports directly from the patient about how they are feeling and functioning during their cancer care, without any interpretation by a clinician.  PROs can therefore ensure the patient’s voice is heard and that care is as patient-centred as possible.   

What motivated you to come and work at Peter Mac?

Peter Mac provides a high-performing, professional and motivating environment which allows me to effectively combine my clinical work in melanoma and skin cancers with my research interest in patient-reported outcomes. It is a pleasure to come to work each day knowing that everyone is completely dedicated to improving the care of people living with cancer. There are no other places like it in Australia!

What drives you to achieve better outcomes for cancer patients?

My interactions with patients and their families, and the knowledge that incorporating patient-reported outcomes into their care could significantly improve their experience.

How will your research improve outcomes for cancer patients?

My research will incorporate remote symptom monitoring via our electronic medical record (known as Epic) into routine cancer care across a range of different cancer types. This program will allow us to be more proactive and systematic in screening for, identifying and managing people’s symptoms and side effects.

What do you like most about working for Peter Mac?

Working with highly motivated, skilled and driven consumers, clinicians and researchers.  

Can you please detail how your research has used and benefitted from the core facilities at Peter Mac?

My research has benefited enormously from the expertise within the Centre for Health Services Research.  Through the Centre, I’ve had the opportunity to interact with qualitative research experts, implementation scientists, biostatisticians, digital health experts and health economists who have all helped to positively shape my research.